Lehman Township camping/music event splits hairs

The August concert at Ken's Woods Campground that Lehman Township neighbors protested, and thought was canceled, is back on.

BETH BRELJE

The August concert at Ken's Woods Campground that Lehman Township neighbors protested, and thought was canceled, is back on.

Only instead of calling it a concert under the name Bushkill Stage, it is being called an "End of Summer Camping Extravaganza."

According to descriptions on Facebook, it is the same event, but instead of being a concert with camping, it is camping with entertainment — a distinction organizers believe will keep the event compliant with zoning.

"I've just learned this issue has been reopened and I am investigating it now," Lehman Zoning Officer Stan Whittaker.

Ken's Woods is off Mink Pond Road. It is owned by Lorna Gatti of La Habra, California.

Campground neighbors, speaking at a recent Lehman Township meeting, recalled a music festival organized by someone else two summers ago in which state police were called and a loud drunken party continued all night long.

They did not want a repeat performance, and started a petition to stop the three-day event, which is planned for Aug. 22-24.

But then, it sounded as if the concert, organized by James Judge of Lehman, was off. Questions as to whether the campground is zoned for a concert were not clearly answered, because of the cancellation.

But ticket sales have continued. The End of Summer Camping Extravaganza page says tickets are $40.

"We've had some issues with the town, but as long as we're camping with live music instead of live music with camping — we're good," and "It's a secret location for now. You'll be kept in the loop if you buy a ticket," says the page.

Judge could not be reached for comment, but he previously has said loud music would end at 10 p.m.

No alcohol will be sold but because it is a campground, Judge said, attendees can bring their own.